For workers
Get your CSCS card.
Get on site.
Every site requires one. Here is exactly what to do — in plain English, step by step.
Four steps to your card
Getting a new Green Labourer Card requires both a CITB test pass and a Level 1 Health & Safety qualification. Both are straightforward — here is the full process.
Book the health and safety test
You need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. It costs £23.50 and takes 45 minutes on a touchscreen computer — like a driving theory test.
Book online at the CITB website or call 0344 994 4488 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–12pm).
Book your test on CITB →Pass the test
You need 45 out of 50 to pass. You get your result straight away. Most people pass after a few hours of revision.
What to bring: A photo ID — passport or driving licence. Arrive 15 minutes early. You will be asked to store your phone and bags in a locker.
Free practice questions →Complete a Level 1 Health & Safety qualification
CSCS requires a Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment before they will issue your Green Card. The test pass alone is not enough.
This is a short course — usually done online or in a single day — available from providers including NOCN, City & Guilds, and CITB. It typically costs £50–£100.
If cost is an issue, see the Can't afford it? section below — funded routes cover this qualification at no cost.
Apply for your card
Once you have your test pass and Level 1 qualification, apply for the Green Labourer CSCS Card online. It costs £36. The easiest way is through the My CSCS app on your phone.
Once your application is approved, you can access a digital card on your phone through the My CSCS app. The physical card arrives by post within 5–10 working days.
Apply for your card on CSCS →Renewing an existing green card (no new qualification needed): £59.50 · First card valid 2 years · renewals 5 years
What the test covers
50 multiple choice questions across these topics. Nothing too complicated — it is all common-sense site safety.
Working at height
Ladders, scaffolding, harnesses, edge protection
PPE
Hard hat, hi-vis, boots, gloves, eye protection
Fire safety
Fire exits, alarms, extinguishers, what to do
Manual handling
Lifting safely, moving heavy objects, back injuries
Hazardous substances
Chemicals, dust, asbestos awareness, COSHH
Electrical safety
Underground cables, overhead lines, safe distances
Site safety
Signage, barriers, near misses, accident reporting
Environment
Waste, pollution, noise, looking after the site
The best way to revise
CITB has free practice questions on their website. Do two or three practice tests and you will know what to expect. Most people only need a few hours of preparation.
Free CITB practice test →On the day
Arrive 15 minutes early
Test centres are the same places as driving theory tests. Arrive early, check in at reception, and they will explain what to do.
Bring photo ID
Passport or driving licence. Without ID you will not be able to sit the test and you will lose your booking fee.
Leave your phone in the locker
You will be asked to put your phone, bags, and personal items in a locker before you go into the test room.
Answer 50 questions on a touchscreen
Read each question carefully. You have 45 minutes for 50 questions — that is nearly a minute per question. Do not rush.
Get your result straight away
Pass or fail, you will know immediately. If you pass, keep your result certificate safe — you will need it when you apply for your card.
Had a card before?
A lot has changed recently. Here is what you need to know depending on your situation.
⏰ My green card has expired
You can renew an expired card at any time — there is no deadline. For genuine green card holders (you applied through the normal qualification route), renewal is straightforward:
- ✓CITB test pass still valid (within 3 years): Just apply for your card again at cscs.uk.com. Total cost: £36. You do not need to redo the Level 1 qualification.
- !Test pass expired (over 3 years ago): Rebook the CITB test (£23.50), pass it, then apply for your card (£36). You do not need to redo the Level 1. Total: £59.50.
📋I had an Industry Accreditation card (“Grandfather Rights”)
These cards — issued based on years of experience rather than a formal qualification — all expired on 31 December 2024 and cannot be renewed the old way.
To get a new Green Labourer Card, you now need to follow the standard route: pass the CITB test, complete a Level 1 Health & Safety qualification, and apply for the card. Total cost is typically £110–£160.
The good news: if you have years of construction experience, the test and Level 1 course should be straightforward. And if cost is an issue, funded routes are available — see the Can't afford it? section below.
Had a blue, gold or black card via this route? You will need an NVQ Level 2 or above in your trade. Call CITB on 0344 994 4488 or speak to a training provider about funded options.
🔄 My 2-year card is about to expire
From February 2025, all new green labourer cards are valid for 2 years rather than 5. When yours expires, you can renew it for a full 5 years. You just need to show you are still working in a labouring role — a payslip or letter from TradeHands is enough. Renew at cscs.uk.com.
Can't afford the test or course?
There are ways to get both your CITB test and Level 1 qualification paid for. Here is what is available depending on your situation.
💰 On Universal Credit or benefits?
Your Jobcentre work coach can fund your CITB test and Level 1 qualification through the Jobcentre Plus scheme. Tell them you want to work in construction — they can cover both costs.
Ask for a “Skills Support” appointment at your local Jobcentre or mention it at your next Universal Credit review.
🏗 New to construction?
The government funds free 6-week construction training programmes called Skills Bootcamps. They cover the CITB test, Level 1 qualification, and everything else you need — and they end with a guaranteed job interview.
Available across London and the South East.
Find out more about free training →🔧 Worked in construction before?
If you have been out of work for 3 months or more but have at least 12 months of previous construction experience, the Construction Workers' Charitable Trust may be able to fund your training costs. Call us and we can point you in the right direction.
Not sure which applies to you? Call us on 020 8090 9609 and we will help you work it out.
Got your card? Register with TradeHands.
We supply vetted workers to sites across London and the South East. Good rates. Weekly pay. No messing around. Once you are registered, we will start matching you to work.
No card yet? Register anyway — tell us when it arrives and we will get you started.
Common questions
Do I really need a CSCS card?
Yes — almost every construction site in the UK will turn you away without one. It is the industry standard proof that you know basic health and safety on site.
Is the test hard?
Most people pass with a few hours of revision. It is multiple choice on a touchscreen — similar to the driving theory test. If you know the basics of working safely on site, you will be fine.
Do I really need the Level 1 qualification as well?
Yes. CSCS requires both a valid CITB test pass and a Level 1 Health & Safety qualification to issue a Green Labourer Card. The test on its own is not enough. The good news is the Level 1 course is short — usually a day or less — and can be done online. If cost is an issue, see the 'Can't afford it?' section above.
Can I do the test in my language?
The test is available in Welsh. For other languages, CITB offers a spoken version in some languages — call 0344 994 4488 to ask.
How long is my test pass valid for?
Three years from the date you took the test. You must apply for your CSCS card within that time, otherwise you will need to retake the test.
How long does the card take to arrive?
Once your application is approved, you can access a digital card through the My CSCS app. The physical card arrives by post within 5–10 working days.
I haven't got my card yet — can I still register with TradeHands?
Yes. Register now and we will hold your details. Tell us when your card arrives and we will start matching you to jobs.
Questions? We can help.
Call us and we will point you in the right direction.